Caribe Hilton

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at the Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico and were hesitant due to some of the reviews but were pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. The Caribe was quiet during the weekdays in mid-December and a little busy on the weekends. There were some inconveniences (such as needing a room key or wristband scanned to walk to the pool/beach every time, the pools closing around 7pm), and the grounds could use some maintenance/new outdoor furniture, but we really enjoyed our time there, especially at the beach! We are diamond members so asked for a room key instead of wristband and were granted this. The swim-up bar pool was clean and very nice but the water was cool (along with cool water in the "jacuzzies," so we opted for the beach and had drinks there. We LOVED the sandy beach in the cove protected from the rocks with the warm ocean which we have not seen anywhere else and felt safer from sharks and such. The pina coladas were excellent, and the staff were all very helpful and friendly! The diamond member perk of free continental breakfast worked out well for us with many breads/pastries/fruit/yogurt/cereal/cheese/nuts and a full salad bar. (We skipped the $20 per person upgrade for the hot breakfast buffet.) Restaurants were decent with good food (especially the Caesar salad) but a little pricey, so we enjoyed a meal once at Rustica and once each at both the inside and outside bars, but mainly walked across the street to the Tropical Coffee Bar and Restaurant for some local food/beer with much lower price tag. Our room was on the 18th floor of the Wave Wind and was very nice! The Wave WIng is a farther walk for the beach but the Uber pickup/drop off is right outside the door making trips to airport/Old San Juan convenient. The shower door did pour water on the floor and the water temperature got really hot unless you made sure to turn on the cool water, so be aware for kids, but we enjoyed the really hot water and the ice cold AC!! The room was pretty (showed a little wear with some minor chipped tiles/paint/mirror), but was really clean and comfortable including the bed. Sandra from housekeeping took very good care of us and cleaned/asked what we needed daily! The balcony door stuck a little, but we really enjoyed sitting on it for hours with so much privacy. Although you saw the ugly roofs, it wasn't hard to look out over the almost 180 degree, absolutely gorgeous ocean views (rm 1866-1870 have these views). The Old San Juan is best seen from a tour first before heading out on your own unless you are familiar with the lay of the land--We did a walking tour with Oasis which was wonderful (although very hot). The couples massages from Jean Carlos and Julianna were amazing!! The spa hot tub (which is actually a hot temperature!) is the only place we could be together as a couple outside of the massage and the couples lounge which was dark and freezing cold, so bring a suit if you go as a couple. My husband and I will definitely consider returning to the Caribe!

I have had such an amazing and personal experience here celebrating my honeymoon! We enjoyed the pool bar “Bagua” and especially loved the attentiveness of Hiram the bartender! He made our stay feel special and we loved visiting the bar and spending time in the pool! Such an amazing stay… highly recommend the hotel and the pool swim up bar!

Arrived ahead of my family and was happy to just get to my room. Booked Jr King Suite for a little more room for 3 of us. Asked if there was an upgrade or different room, but was told no. In fact, the oceanfront rooms were more outdated and I was better off in the Garden wing. Thanked the front desk for checking. Went to my room, which was right off the elevators. Walked into a very dark small room with couch and table and turned corner to very basic and small room with a King. View...lowered expectations. Hardly garden ...over the rooftops of some dingy beige warehouse buildings, I could see a glimpse of the ocean. The constant noise of the elevator, though, was what inspired me to go down and get our room changed. I told the same woman who checked me in that I could not stay the 4 nights with that noise. After much deliberation in a back room, she moved our room to oceanfront, 10th floor. Walked in to the room that was pictured when I booked. Much brighter! Equally appointed...the entire hotel needs a major update. But, at least we had room. NO HOT WATER in the shower. It is truly an unpleasant experience. But, San Juan did not disappoint with weather and fun. Be aware that San Juan prices are very high!! Crazy expensive for mediocre food. We limited what we ate at the hotel as the restaurants are below average. Also, be aware that at every chance, you will be charged extra for things that should be included. Just check the bill and make sure you have documentation for what you know is included.

San Juan 1042166601 My stay was interrupted by a serious privacy violation and an unsupported smoking charge — and after posting an honest review about what happened, the hotel banned us from staying there. That alone says everything about their lack of accountability. When the smoking charge appeared, we asked for clarification. Housekeeping informed us it was added by security. Shortly after, Christian — the head of security — openly admitted he entered our room after we left, saw the Do Not Disturb sign, removed it, and took photos of our personal belongings without any permission or notification. To be clear, no smoking occurred on that property. He also admitted there was no evidence of smoking — no smell, no ashes, nothing — yet insisted the charge “stands” simply because we own things you can smoke, which does not violate hotel rules and does not justify trespassing into a guest’s room. Glad I recorded the conversation had with Christian. When we went to the front desk supervisor, Eric, he refused to provide any explanation or resolution. The lack of transparency was alarming. Glad I recorded this as well. Now, instead of addressing the misconduct, the hotel chose to retaliate by banning us entirely. This proves the exact issue: management will violate your privacy, refuse accountability, and punish you for speaking up. The regular staff and housekeeping were wonderful, but the behavior of Christian in security and Eric at the front desk was invasive, unprofessional, retaliatory, and unacceptable. I love Hilton; I’m sure they will correct this after proper investigation.

First time staying in a "resort". Very impressed with the amenities. Beach and pool was great. On site restaurants were also very good. Really enjoyed the private ocean view balcony. Worth the premium. Would stay again.